Four people killed in Strasbourg Christmas market shooting
Four people have died and several have been injured following a shooting at a Christmas market in the French city of Strasbourg.
At least four people have been killed, Sky News reported, and at least seven people were seriously injured and taken to hospital after a gunman entered the market and opened fire this evening. Four others have suffered minor injuries, French authorities confirmed.
The 29-year-old gunman has been identified but has not yet been arrested and a police hunt is underway. The country's counter terrorism unit has opened an investigation into the incident, according to reports.
Residents and visitors to the city have been advised to stay indoors after shots were fired at around 8pm, and the European Parliament in Strasbourg has been put on lockdown as a safety measure.
#Strasbourg centre, Christmas market area with heavy police presence. Gun shots reportedly heard. Restaurants not letting people out. We’re told not to go outside. Nothing confirmed yet.
— Tesa Arcilla (@TesaArcilla) December 11, 2018
"Around 8 pm, an individual opened fire in the city centre of Strasbourg, rue des Orfèvres," the Bas-Rhin state department said in a statement.
"The shots hurt several people. The provisional balance sheet mentions 11 victims, including 1 deceased person and 10 wounded evacuated to the hospital of Strasbourg.
"The perpetrator is identified and actively sought."
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner tweeted that "security and rescue services are mobilised."
The European Parliament is completely locked down following shootings in #Strasbourg city centre. Nobody gets in or out.
Inside the Parliament the plenary session continues. pic.twitter.com/XJ6ZgkUc08— Siegfried Muresan 🇷🇴🇪🇺 (@SMuresan) December 11, 2018
More to follow.